About the author: Darren
Smith is a seasoned, Airline Transport-rated Fixed wing & Helicopter Pilot
who has flown over 50 different aircraft models. He is a Gold Seal,
Certificated Flight Instructor with Seaplane, Helicopter (H), Instrument (CFII)
& Multi-Engine (MEI) privileges. He holds the FAA Advanced and Instrument
Ground Instructor certificate (AGI/IGI). He is an FAA Aviation Safety
Counselor for the Tampa FAA Flight Standards District Office and conducts
Aviation Safety Programs not only in the Tampa Bay area but nationwide.
Darren is designated as a Master Instructor by the National Association of
Flight Instructors. Less than 1/2% of the nation's instructors have earned
this designation. He is one of only six instructors nationwide who holds
both the Master Flight Instructor as well as Master Ground Instructor
designations.